Tax Preparer (Seasonal, Full-Time)

Job Title: Tax Preparer

Employment Type: Seasonal, full-time, hourly

Reports To: Program Manager

Work Arrangement: In person/on-site; this position is not remote or hybrid

Start/End Dates: January 4 – April 15

Primary Locations: Tax Sites in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw Counties

About Accounting Aid Society

Accounting Aid Society is a mission-driven organization committed to advancing economic mobility and alleviating poverty through free tax assistance, small business support, and community partnerships. Named a Crain's Best-Managed Nonprofit, we're more than tax experts—we're relationship builders using financial services to create a more inclusive economy.

Position Overview

As a Tax Preparer, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals and families by preparing accurate tax returns and educating clients on the filing process. This position is ideal for a motivated self-starter who is detail-oriented, compassionate, and committed to making a positive community impact.

Accounting Aid Society provides comprehensive tax preparation training. To be eligible to work as a Seasonal Tax Preparer after the training period, you must successfully complete the required training and pass the certification exam.

Training Schedule

Training dates: Monday, January 4–Friday, January 15, 2027Successful completion of training and certification is required before beginning tax preparation duties.

Tax Season Schedule and Availability

Tax sites operate on the following schedule:

• January and March: Tuesday through Saturday
• February and April: Monday through Saturday

Candidates must be available to work within the applicable site schedule. Individual workdays, locations, and hours will be assigned based on staffing coverage and operational needs.

Shift Hours

• Monday–Friday: Tax sites operate from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Seasonal Tax Preparers will be assigned an eight-hour shift within this operating window.
• Saturday: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Specific start and end times may vary by location and operational needs.

Key Responsibilities

Tax Preparation and Client Service

• Screen clients and complete intake documentation
• Prepare accurate federal, state, and local tax returns
• Ensure all returns are reviewed by a Site Supervisor before client departure
• Adhere to IRS guidelines regarding client confidentiality
• Complete all necessary administrative paperwork
• Refer clients to additional service providers as needed

Financial Services & Asset Building

• Identify clients eligible for financial education and asset-building products
• Explain the benefits of financial services and connect clients to relevant resources
• Support initiatives that promote financial stability and wealth-building

Community Engagement

• Participate in outreach and community engagement activities as assigned
• Share ideas for future outreach opportunities with your supervisor

General Responsibilities

• Build trust and teamwork with open and honest communications across our organization, and with our volunteers, our community, and our partners
• Assist with basic site operations including equipment, supplies, and client support
• Help maintain internal office procedures and onboarding materials
• Attend any AAS meeting or event outside office hours, as requested
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 2+ years of college coursework or equivalent work experience
• Comfortable using computers and learning new software
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Ability to quickly learn and apply tax law and procedures
• Demonstrated maturity, professionalism, and integrity
• Must be willing and able to work in person at an assigned Accounting Aid Society tax site and travel to other Metro Detroit tax-site locations as operational needs require.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish or Arabic is preferred
• Previous tax preparation experience is a plus

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer
• Frequent typing, writing, and handling of documents
• Occasional walking, bending, lifting (up to 20 lbs)
• Clear verbal communication in client interactions

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Accounting Aid Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.